Relocation Resources
Internet & Utilities Guide for DFW
Everything you need to set up internet, electricity, gas, water, and other essential services before moving into your new North Texas home.
Setting up utilities is one of the first practical tasks when relocating to the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. This guide covers the major service categories internet, electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and more so you know what to expect and who to call before your move-in date.
Internet Providers by City
Internet availability varies significantly by address, even within the same city. The table below lists the providers most commonly available in each DFW community. Always verify service at your specific address before purchasing or leasing a home.
| City | Common Internet Providers |
|---|---|
| Allen | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home |
| Arlington | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, Verizon 5G Home, T-Mobile Home Internet |
| Aubrey | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink, Rise Broadband |
| Bedford | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Burleson | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink, Verizon 5G Home |
| Cedar Hill | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Verizon 5G Home |
| Celina | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink, Rise Broadband |
| Colleyville | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Dallas | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber (select neighborhoods), T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home, Nextlink (limited), Rise Broadband (limited) |
| DeSoto | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber |
| Duncanville | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber |
| Euless | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber |
| Forney | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink |
| Fort Worth | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home |
| Frisco | AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum, Verizon 5G Home |
| Garland | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Grand Prairie | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Verizon 5G Home |
| Grapevine | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber |
| Heath | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber (select areas), Nextlink |
| Hurst | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber |
| Irving | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Keller | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Lancaster | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber |
| Little Elm | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| McKinney | AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum |
| Mesquite | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| Midlothian | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink |
| Murphy | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| North Richland Hills | Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber |
| Plano | AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum |
| Prosper | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| Red Oak | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink |
| Richardson | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
| Rockwall | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber |
| Rowlett | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| Royse City | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink |
| Sachse | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber |
| Southlake | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| Sunnyvale | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink |
| Terrell | Spectrum, Nextlink, AT&T Fiber |
| The Colony | Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum |
| Waxahachie | Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink |
| Weatherford | Spectrum, Nextlink, AT&T Fiber (select areas) |
| Wylie | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber |
Major Internet Providers in North Texas
These are the providers you'll encounter most often across the DFW Metroplex. Availability varies by address always verify before committing to a home.
| Provider | Service Type | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber Internet | 800-288-2020 | att.com/internet |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber Internet | 800-921-8101 | frontier.com |
| Spectrum | Cable Internet | 833-949-0036 | spectrum.com |
| Google Fiber | Fiber Internet | 866-777-7550 | fiber.google.com |
| Nextlink Internet | Fiber & Fixed Wireless | 855-698-5465 | nextlinkinternet.com |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | 844-411-7473 | risebroadband.com |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Wireless | 800-937-8997 | t-mobile.com/home-internet |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G Wireless | 800-922-0204 | verizon.com/home/internet |
Dallas City Utilities
Dallas has its own utility structure that differs slightly from many DFW suburbs. The city operates in the deregulated electricity market, so you choose your own retail electric provider while Oncor Electric Delivery maintains the power lines and responds to outages. Water, sewer, and trash are all managed directly by City of Dallas departments.
The table below covers every essential service for homeowners within Dallas city limits. Note that utility providers can vary in some annexed areas, condominiums, and new developments always confirm at your specific address.
- Electricity is deregulated compare plans at PowerToChoose.org using your Dallas ZIP code
- Oncor maintains the power lines and handles outages regardless of which retail provider you choose
- Trash and recycling service is billed through your Dallas Water Utilities account
- Water and sewer new service can be established online or by calling DWU Customer Service
- Google Fiber is available in select Dallas neighborhoods verify at your specific address
| Service | Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity (choose your provider) | TXU, Reliant, Gexa, Green Mountain, Direct Energy, and others | Compare plans | powertochoose.org |
| Power lines & outages | Oncor Electric Delivery | 888-313-4747 | oncor.com |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy | 888-286-6700 | atmosenergy.com |
| Water & sewer | Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) | 214-651-1441 | dallas.gov/departments/waterutilities |
| Trash & recycling | City of Dallas Sanitation Services | 311 or 214-670-3111 | dallas.gov/departments/sanitation |
| Internet | AT&T Fiber | 800-288-2020 | att.com/internet |
| Internet | Spectrum | 833-949-0036 | spectrum.com |
| Internet | Frontier Fiber (select areas) | 800-921-8101 | frontier.com |
| Internet | Google Fiber (select neighborhoods) | 866-777-7550 | fiber.google.com |
| Internet | T-Mobile Home Internet | 800-937-8997 | t-mobile.com/home-internet |
| Internet | Verizon 5G Home Internet | 800-922-0204 | verizon.com/home/internet |
| Internet | Nextlink Internet (limited coverage) | 855-698-5465 | nextlinkinternet.com |
| Internet | Rise Broadband (limited coverage) | 844-411-7473 | risebroadband.com |
Electricity
Most of North Texas is in the deregulated electricity market, meaning you choose your own retail electricity provider (REP) rather than being assigned one. This gives you the ability to compare rates, contract lengths, and renewable energy options.
The official comparison tool for Texas is PowerToChoose.org, operated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Enter your ZIP code to see available plans and rates.
Important exception: some cities operate their own municipal utilities and are not deregulated. These include Garland (Garland Power & Light), Denton (Denton Municipal Electric), and a handful of others. If you're moving to one of these cities, you'll sign up directly with the city's utility department.
- Deregulated market: use PowerToChoose.org to compare providers
- Municipal utilities: Garland Power & Light, Denton Municipal Electric, and others
- Typical summer bills: $150–$400/month for average-sized homes
- Typical winter bills: $80–$200/month
- Look for plans with no early termination fees if you're uncertain about your timeline
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TXU Energy | 800-818-6132 | txu.com |
| Reliant Energy | 866-222-7100 | reliant.com |
| Direct Energy | 866-968-8065 | directenergy.com |
| Gexa Energy | 866-961-9399 | gexaenergy.com |
| Green Mountain Energy | 866-785-4668 | greenmountainenergy.com |
| Just Energy | 866-587-8674 | justenergy.com |
| Cirro Energy | 800-692-4776 | cirroenergy.com |
| Rhythm Energy | 888-774-9846 | gotrhythm.com |
Natural Gas
Atmos Energy is the primary natural gas distribution company serving most of the DFW Metroplex. You'll set up service directly with Atmos at atmosenergy.com.
Natural gas is used primarily for heating, water heaters, dryers, and cooking in DFW homes. Bills are highest in winter (December–February) and lowest in summer.
- Primary provider: Atmos Energy (atmosenergy.com)
- Typical monthly bill: $30–$150 depending on season and home size
- Set up service 1–2 weeks before move-in
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Atmos Energy | 888-286-6700 | atmosenergy.com |
| CoServ Gas | 940-321-7800 | coserv.com |
Water & Sewer
Water and sewer service is provided by your city or a municipal utility district (MUD). You'll set up service through your city's utility billing department typically online or by phone.
If your home is in a MUD (common in newer developments in fast-growing areas like Forney, Celina, and Prosper), you'll set up water service through the MUD rather than the city. Your builder or seller's disclosure should identify whether a MUD applies.
- Set up through your city's utility billing department
- MUD properties: set up through the Municipal Utility District
- Typical monthly bill: $40–$120 depending on usage and city rates
- Some cities charge higher rates due to infrastructure investments or water source costs
Trash & Recycling
Trash and recycling collection is typically managed by your city, either through a city-operated service or a contracted provider. Service is usually included in your utility bill or billed separately by the city.
Most DFW cities offer curbside recycling. Some cities also offer bulk item pickup on a scheduled basis check with your city for details.
Mobile Carriers
All major U.S. carriers have strong coverage throughout the DFW Metroplex. T-Mobile and AT&T have particularly strong 5G coverage. Coverage can vary in rural areas and some newer developments on the outer edges of the Metroplex.
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 800-331-0500 | att.com |
| Verizon | 800-922-0204 | verizon.com |
| T-Mobile | 800-937-8997 | t-mobile.com |
TV & Streaming
With strong fiber and cable internet options throughout DFW, most residents rely on streaming services rather than traditional cable TV.
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | 800-531-5000 | directv.com |
| Spectrum TV | 833-949-0036 | spectrum.com |
| YouTube TV | Online support | tv.youtube.com |
| Hulu + Live TV | Online support | hulu.com/live-tv |
| Sling TV | Online support | sling.com |
Home Security
National providers including ADT, Vivint, Brinks, and SimpliSafe all serve the DFW area. Many new construction homes are pre-wired for security systems.
| Provider | Customer Service | Website |
|---|---|---|
| ADT | 800-238-2727 | adt.com |
| Vivint | 800-216-5232 | vivint.com |
| Brinks Home | 800-447-9239 | brinkshome.com |
| SimpliSafe | 800-548-0526 | simplisafe.com |
Postal Services
Submit a change of address before your move-in date to ensure mail is forwarded to your new home.
| Service | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Customer Service | 800-275-8777 | usps.com |
| Change of Address | Online | moversguide.usps.com |
| Hold Mail | Online | usps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm |
Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration
New Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency.
| Service | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|
| TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License) | 512-424-2600 | dps.texas.gov |
| TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Vehicle Registration) | 888-368-4689 | txdmv.gov |
Homestead Exemption
File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
| County | Appraisal District | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas County | Dallas Central Appraisal District | dallascad.org |
| Collin County | Collin Central Appraisal District | collincad.org |
| Denton County | Denton Central Appraisal District | dentoncad.com |
| Tarrant County | Tarrant Appraisal District | tad.org |
| Rockwall County | Rockwall Central Appraisal District | rockwallcad.com |
| Kaufman County | Kaufman Central Appraisal District | kaufmancad.org |
| Ellis County | Ellis Appraisal District | elliscad.com |
| Parker County | Parker County Appraisal District | parkercad.org |
Utility Setup Checklist
Use this checklist to stay organized as you set up services before your move-in date. Aim to have everything scheduled 2–3 weeks in advance.
- Electricity: compare plans at PowerToChoose.org (or contact your municipal utility)
- Natural gas: set up with Atmos Energy at atmosenergy.com
- Water & sewer: contact your city's utility billing department (or MUD if applicable)
- Internet: verify availability at your address and schedule installation
- Trash & recycling: confirm service start date with your city
- Mobile: confirm carrier coverage at your new address
- Home security: schedule installation if desired
- Mail forwarding: submit a change of address at usps.com
Ready to Find Your New Home in DFW?
Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who helps buyers navigate every step of the relocation process from choosing the right neighborhood to closing day. Get in touch for personalized guidance.